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EG |
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| Egypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol |
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2013 |
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11 |
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69-73 |
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ESP - 3 |
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Original articles |
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| The frequency of vitamin D deficiency among asthmatic Egyptian children |
| Mahmoud T. Abd El-Menem |
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Manal M. Abd Al-Aziz |
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Waleed M. El-Guindy |
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Nihal A. El Banna |
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| Background: Vitamin D plays a role in the pathogenesis of asthma as it has
a potent immuno-modulatory effect acting on the cells of the innate immunity.
It also reduces the risk of respiratory viral infections which are important
initiators of asthma exacerbations. Besides, it potentiates the anti-inflammatory
action of corticosteroids which are considered the most
effective controllers of asthma. Objective: To detect the frequency of vitamin
D insufficiency and deficiency among Egyptian asthmatic children and to
correlate vitamin D levels to the severity of asthma. Methods: This case
control study was conducted on 60 asthmatic children and 40 healthy
controls. All were subjected to clinical history taking including history of
sun exposure and asthma medications and full clinical examination.
Laboratory investigations included measurement of serum calcium, serum
alkaline phosphatase and serum 25-OH-D levels and lung functions
(spirometery). Results: There was a significant correlation between vitamin
D deficiency and severity of asthma, yet there was no significant relation
between sun exposure and 25-OH-D level. Moreover, there was a significant
relation between decreased serum 25-OH-D levels and the intensity of
corticosteroid use. Vitamin D was also significantly lower in asthmatic
patients with coexistent allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency
is prevalent in Egyptian children with asthma .Lower levels of serum vitamin
D are associated with high asthma severity, reduced asthma control and
increased corticosteroid use. |
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